1 B1 neutral
To be able to notice the differences between two or more very similar people or things.
"The twins were so identical that even their parents struggled to tell them apart."
separable
tell apart
B1 neutral separable transitive
To be able to see or identify the differences between two or more very similar things or people.
In plain English
To know which one is which when two things look or seem almost the same.
What does "tell apart" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Frequently used with negation: 'I can't tell them apart.' Often used for identical twins, similar products, or easily confused concepts. Very common in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "tell apart"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
twins copies brands versions species accents
How to conjugate "tell apart"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tell apart
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tells apart
he/she/it
Past simple
told apart
yesterday
Past participle
told apart
have + pp
-ing form
telling apart
continuous
Hear "tell apart" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tell apart" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "tell apart"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
differentiate distinguish identify recognise tell the difference between
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.